Mine usually have the SPD clip side up. The platform side is heavier

I'm really intrigued by the platform pedals with pins, but I'm concerned they will tear up the soles of my chrome Truk shoes and LL Bean boots.

:thumb: I think we got more than what we paid for!

After commuting for 7 years I am convinced that platform pedals with pins are the most practical thing for me. I can wear any type of shoes I want.. I don't really care about the tiny increase in performance that people claim to be getting from clipless... On my fixed gear bike I use toe clips and straps for safety reasons. In my experience, foot retention is unnecessary unless I am riding fixed.

Not to threadjack but since we're talking about pedals. Do any of you know a double sided look keo compatible pedal?. I'm a beginner to clipless and like the Keo grip cleats, but I'd also like to not have to look down at red lights trying to clip in. It's hard enough flipping my cages up.

The A530s are actually easier to get into than my road pedals that are completely upside down and have to be flipped before using. The cleats just slide right into place as the pedal levels out.

PaulRivers---you might give them a chance to break in, or find a used eBarf pair. I think you'd like them a lot better with a several hundred miles on them.:)

I'm not sure if there are any double sided Look KEO or SPD SL type pedals available.
I use Speedplay X/2; they're double sided. Maybe you can try them if you don't like
Shimano SPD:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-rQ...6zPoymgKaIoDLA

They already make pedals just like that. I recently sold some on ebay, because they don't work well. The pedal will twist around under your foot, it's like biking on ice skates (in my experience). I found I'd rather go with a bump from a clipless pedal that has a large platform than go with the skating on ice feeling. There's also a smaller problem in that your seat height isn't quite right any more after putting them on, but that's a problem with most other solutions as well.

I just decided not to switch pedals, but if one wanted to the best solution seemed to me to be the Ezy quick release system -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1aPm-WqZsQ

You can just switch the pedal out by hand without tools in about 30 seconds.

The new Shimano "light' or whatever mentioned above somewhere looks interesting as well.

Let's assume that's true - there's still always one side of the pedal that you will have to flip up with your foot to get onto it. I can say what you're saying, but I have the same complaint about 1 sided road pedals as well. :-)

I used to use an older model of the one-side-platform pedals. Probably not the exact same model. But I know that personally I think the hassle of using them negates any minor speed advantages for me - would rather just use platforms to begin with.

The A530s "fall" almost vertically, - the top is tilted slightly forward. The clipless mechanism faces the back of the bike and the platform faces the front.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...psthg6fajw.jpg

Neither side is down nor up and once yet get the technique down, there is no need to flip.

I came across these. These look perfect for my needs. A little pricey but I like the peace of mind. Thank you.

I actually have a seat post rack. The seat post is good for 20lbs of gear. I used this bike for commuting and hauling groceries. I was not able to find a rack that clears the disc brakes.

Awesome, I was just looking at one of those @ Wally World. I'm sold now. Looks like it functions as a semi fender as well.

Great looking ride!

I love platforms... I just ordered a set of VP Vice platform pedals this morning. I have a set of VP-001 which I really like but it seems that after Riv found out about these pedals the price has gone up. I like them thin and wide. I don't use straps or toe clips because I hate when they drag on the ground. My bikes with clipless pedals don't get ridden very much anymore.

+1 for double sided, then you don't have to worry about choosing classic vs. clipless.

These guys have a huge selection of platform pedals with great prices and great service.

Time Pedals, Clipless Pedals, Wellgo Pedals, Mountain Bike Pedals, Clip Pedals

My first set of clipless were the Shimano A530's; flat one side, SPD on the other. Bought them thinking they'd be versatile as I could use them in flip flops or normal shoes. I rode them for nearly a year, and only once or twice ever wanted to go out with normal shoes. The hassle of sometimes having to look down and flip the pedals at lights and stop signs was more of an issue, so I bought the double-sided M540 pedals recently; no regrets :)

Thanks for the pic.

You're welcome.

Based on what I've read on these forums over the years, many people assume these pedals will be hard to clip into because they think the clipless side of the pedal will end up facing down some or all of the time. And the initial experiences with the pedals often aren't that great because until they break in (and spin freely) it's hard to say which way they will end up hanging.

I understand the reason for not wanting the clipless side down, that's why I don't like toe clips.

I use clipless MTB SPD (one is a Shimano, the other is a Nashbar). I have platform with pins for my son when he rides my 29er but I rarely use them myself. My wife has a platform-style Shimano SPD and my son's girlfriend can use her bike without the need for me to switch pedals. My wife uses clipless shoes.

SPDs on two bikes, Power Grips on one, toe clips on another. I don't seem to have any trouble getting a foot out and to ground quickly in traffic with any of them -- either I'm exceptionally skilled, or the dire imaginations posted by some are bogus. ;)

I have original style Crank Brothers Mallet pedals on my commuter. These are large platforms with a double sided clipless binding. They are usable for short distances with flat shoes although the bump is uncomfortable. On the plus side the big platform gives extra support to shoes with more flexible soles.